Nasogastric tube

Abstract

A nasogastric (NG) tube for placement into the lumen of the stomach by way of a nostril having a tapered tip, a lubricious coating, and one or more expandable balloons that surround drainage ports. During insertion into the stomach the tapered tip and lubricious coating facilitate the tube traversing the patient's nasopharynx and esophagus with reduced injury. During insertion the expandable balloons are maintained in a low profile state but upon reaching the stomach lumen are expanded to a high profile state and improve drainage by pushing the stomach wall away from the drainage ports.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An improved nasogastric tube comprised of aspirating holes surrounded by inflatable balloon spacers and disposed with a lubricious coating. 
     
     
         2 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein the tube is produced from materials chosen from the group consisting of latex, silicone, nylon, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride. 
     
     
         3 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein a single inflatable balloon is used at each balloon spacer location. 
     
     
         4 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein an array of balloons is used at each balloon spacer location. 
     
     
         5 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein the balloons used can be inflated by air pressure. 
     
     
         6 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  where in the balloons used can be inflated by fluid pressure. 
     
     
         7 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein the balloon spacers are located proximal to the aspirating holes. 
     
     
         8 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein the balloon spacers are located distal to the aspirating holes. 
     
     
         9 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein the balloon spacers are located distal and proximal to the aspirating holes. 
     
     
         10 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein the balloon spacers are intercalated among the aspirating holes. 
     
     
         11 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein the balloon spacers inflate to exclude a space equivalent to a spherical area that covers several centimeters surrounding the drainage ports. 
     
     
         12 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein the balloons are chosen from the group consisting of compliant, semicompliant and non compliant balloons. 
     
     
         13 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein the balloon spacers are produced from materials chosen from the group consisting of latex, silicone, nylon, polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride. 
     
     
         14 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein a conduit tube forms a second lumen within the main tube and is pressured to 20 atm to prevent kinking of the main tube. 
     
     
         15 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein the distal end is disposed with a tapered tip over the distal most 0.5-10 cm and where the reduction in tube diameter may be symmetrical with respect to opposite edges of the tube opening so that the tube end point is located in the center of the tube opening. 
     
     
         16 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein the distal end is disposed with a tapered tip over the distal most 0.5-10 cm and where the reduction in tube diameter may be asymmetrical so that the end point of the tube is located closer to one side of the tube opening than the other. 
     
     
         17 . The nasogastric tube of  claim 1  wherein the distal end is disposed with a tapered tip produced from materials chosen from the group consisting of latex, silicone, nylon, polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride. 
     
     
         18 . A method for introducing an improved nasogastric tube into a patient comprising the steps of
 a) explain procedure to patient   b) measure from tip of nose to earl lobe, then from earlobe to halfway between sternum and navel, xyphoid process   c) mark with tape   d) bend the distal tip into a gradual curve   e) lubricate the surface of the nasogastric tube   f) inserting the distal tapered end of the lubricated tube into a patient's nostril   g) advancing said distal tapered end of said lubricated tube 3-4 in to the hypopharynx   h) patient will begin to gag. Ask the patient to tilt the head forward   i) ask the patient to take a drink of water and swallow   j) ask the patient to repeat   k) if resistance is met rotate the tube slowly   l) directing said nasogastric tube down downwards into the esophagus and then to the desired internal point in the stomach   m) tape the tube to patients nose   n) verifying placement of said nasogastric tube by injection a bolus of air and listening with the stethoscope   o) verify placement by withdrawing stomach contents and test pH   p) inflating balloon spacers to the high profile state   q) turn on the vacuum.   
     
     
         19 . The method of making a nasogastric tube comprising the following